School of Medicine

Patricia E. Molina, MD, PhD
Department Head

“Physiology, the science that life depends on” is situated at the core of biomedical knowledge. It provides the foundation for development of therapeutics, understanding the consequences of genetic alterations, alignment of function with biochemical processes and anatomical structures. By integrating molecular, biochemical, anatomical, and systems-level knowledge, physiology serves as the unifying discipline that connects the basic sciences and forms the scientific basis for the education and training of healthcare professionals. Our mission is to advance the understanding of physiological mechanisms, their regulation, and the ways in which their disruption contributes to human disease. We are committed to conducting innovative biomedical research, translating discoveries into improved health, disseminating knowledge to both scientific and lay public communities, and educating and mentoring the next generation of healthcare professionals, biomedical researchers, and educators.

Our faculty are accomplished investigators, dedicated and award-winning educators, and outstanding mentors. Research within the department spans the full spectrum of biomedical science, from fundamental molecular and cellular mechanisms to clinical and translational investigation. Our educational programs reach across all LSUHSC schools, fostering a collaborative and interdisciplinary network of faculty dedicated to excellence in teaching. Mentorship is a defining strength of our department, with opportunities that support trainees and faculty at every stage of their professional development.

Whether you are seeking a collaborator, mentor, educator, or research partner, we hope you will find a welcoming and stimulating environment within our department. We value collaboration, scientific curiosity, and the pursuit of excellence, and we look forward to working with you to advance biomedical discovery, education, and human health.

Together, we strive to advance scientific discovery, educate future leaders, and improve health through excellence in physiology.

Sincerely,

Patricia E. Molina, MD, PhD
Richard Ashman, PhD Professor and Department Head